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i am so surprised how no one has commented on this wonderful poem... and its very haunting opening stanza. To see a world in a grain of sand... it's beautiful.

auguries of innocence

2003-04-02

Added by: Dave

I cannot help but offer commentary on this poem that has often given me inspiration. As mentioned in the previous post, the first stanza is very descriptive and "pretty". One should recognize that these four lines are the only ones that stand apart from the lengthy body of the poem. They are also near the only lines that Blake chose to leave free of paradox and conflict. Auguries of Innocence is a long assembly of conflicted situations laden with warnings and omens of judgement (The word "auguries" means omen) The poem draws a line pitting the innocent or underprivileged against those blessed and elite. It calls for the audience to take note of so many subtle beauties and to recognize the fragile balance that allows such things to thrive. Blake was of coarse ultra religious and is righteous in his determination of justice and protection of innocence. The poem is purposely long and trying including portions of rough rhyme scheme. This may be an attempt by the poet to mimic our lives so full of bumps and challenges. In the end of the poem as at the end of Blake's perception of life comes judgement. Those who experienced darkness (endless night) and were not blessed or elite will find god in all his promised splendor. Those who were elite and "clothed in light" will see god as well but he will come to them as an abstraction of himself. The accompanying painting that Blake created shows a great dragon standing over a beautiful woman. As warned throughout the poem she will be punished for her ignorance and bliss. Like any ultra religious person, Blake is highly alarmed by sin but this poem goes further to specify that the theft of innocence is one sin that stands above all others and will encounter the most severe consequence. Be a protector of the weak and innocent and you shall be rewarded; if only in the very end of days. This poem is the inspiration behind the painting: "the great red dragon and the woman clothed in sun" which in turn is the inspiration behind "red dragon" the recent movie and book.

2003-04-04

Added by: ~*me*~

I LOVE THIS POEM!!!!!

The poem is easy, but at the same time, makes a memorable impact. It also makes the reader think about their place and outlook on the world and God.

Auguries

2003-11-03

Added by: D!

Blake is deeper a prophet and visionary than anyone ive ever read. Auguries of innocence is one of his virtually unspoken pieces due to its complexity and should be given more regard and respect towards. Though seeming 'easy' and straightforward, for someone who has been studying Blake, one realises that he was not one to simply state what he wanted in such a trite and obvious manner.

2004-02-14

Added by: Aurora

I had always thought that the Auguries of Innoncence opening stanza was, actually, his most famous piece of work. For goodness' sake, it was used in the 'Lara Croft: Tomb Raider' movie! But searching the net, I can't find any essays on it, much less any critical essays.

Dead Man

2004-03-11

Added by: Stefanie

Aside from this poem being incredibly crafted, just an observation that 'Tomb Raider' is not the only movie that this has been used in. I was introduced to this poem by the movie "Dead Man" which actually features the last five lines of this poem as somewhat of a mantra spoken by the character Nobody. It was hauntingly beautiful -- both the movie and the poem.

2004-03-21

Added by: DDPD

Also in the movie Red dragon leads the line "A robin redbreast in a cage leads all heaven in a rage" to the mass killer. In this movie is a gravure of Blake a main theme

we love you dave

2004-06-14

Added by: kankan

dearest dave,
you saved my arse!! after reading your mentally stimulating comments, my mind was stimulated beyond belief, and i was able to write what we call here... an oral presentation. So yeah, thanks a heap!!

2004-11-30

Added by: w paulson

I was struck by the beauty of Blakes lines during the eulogy for Princess Diana. Queen Elizabeth quoted:
Joy and woe are woven fine, a clothing for the soul divine.

This Poem

2006-02-17

Added by: Megz

Wow. I truly love this poem. It's just so inspirational, and if you think about it, it goes into a much deeper meaning, dragging in other topics. I have noticed that with Blakes Poems, he talks a lot about religion. This seems like one of his main themes. But with this poem, wow. It's just amazing!
Megz